Sadness Meaning
/ˈsædnəs/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe state or emotion of being sad.
nounAn event in one's life that causes sadness.
Sentence Examples
I'm drowning in sadness falling far behind.
He hid his sadness behind a smile.
Her face reflects disgust and sadness, rather than anger.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The loss of her best friend filled her with deep ____ for months.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A wave of ____ washed over her as she packed up the last of her belongings.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English sadnesse, equivalent to sad + -ness.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"But sorrow that is couch'd in seeming gladness
Is like that mirth fate turns to sudden sadness."
— c. 1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Troylus and Cressida”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]:
"I mean not then under the name of Sadneſs to defend effeminate Bewailings and Lamentations; let them that ſubject themſelves to this weakeſt Impatience, be alſo ſubject to the Lycian Law, that bound theſe kind of Lamenters to be array'd like Women: […]"
— 1707, John Dunton, “Mourning Joy: or a Paradox in Praiſe of Sadneſs”, in Athenian Sport[:] […] , page 423:
"The survey found increasing mental health challenges, experiences of violence, and suicidal thoughts and behavior among all teens. More than 40% of high school students said that feelings of sadness or hopelessness prevented them from engaging in their regular activities for at least two weeks of the year."
— 2023 February 13, Deidre McPhillips, “Teens, especially girls, are experiencing more violence, suicidal thoughts and mental health challenges, CDC survey finds”, in CNN:
"The compassion to yourself comes in validating the feelings your inner child is having –– the stress, fear, anger or sadness — and make adult decisions about the best way to move forward, Lev said."
— 2025 April 28, Madeline Holcombe, “It might be time to ‘reparent’ yourself. Here’s how to get started”, in CNN:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The loss of her best friend filled her with deep ____ for months.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A wave of ____ washed over her as she packed up the last of her belongings.